O'Neill plays down cash fears

04 April 2010 01:57

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Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill insists that he will not leave the club in the summer, even if he is unable to spend big in the transfer market.
O'Neill has spent most of the week rubbishing speculation that he could leave Villa Park at the end of the season and was pleased to focus on matters on the pitch as his side won 1-0 at Bolton to keep alive their hopes of a top-four finish.
Of the prospects of problems if he cannot splash the cash, O'Neill told The Observer: "If that situation did develop, that wouldn't necessarily mean I would go and down tools and say 'well, listen, we can't go any further'.
"What you would do is see if you can come up with some other ways, maybe through the scheme here with the younger players coming through, maybe with a bit of trading here and there, maybe taking a risk with a major player to be transferred to sort things out.
"You wouldn't just down tools. It's not been in my nature to do that. I couldn't envisage that sort of scene - just throwing the toys out of the pram."
Of his rousing reception from the Villa fans at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday, the Irishman added: "I was overwhelmed by the support of the fan. It was terrific and I am eternally grateful.
"I would like to continue in this job as manager because I enjoy it and think there are things to do for the club.
"Aston Villa supporters will play a part, the chairman will play a big part because he is my employer and I will also play a part in proceedings because it's my future."